tool name

Soldiers build endurance for Seattle Marathon

Staff Sgt. Wayne Diaz

593rd ESC Public Affairs

Ten soldiers of the 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Headquarters, Headquarters Company, gathered for a 10-mile endurance run as they prepared for the upcoming Seattle Marathon.

The team running in the 26.2 mile marathon, Nov. 30, is open to all members of the 593rd ESC. It is the second event of the Rest Assured Challenge campaign held by the 593rd ESC.

The objective of the Rest Assured Challenge is to test Soldiers’ physical, mental and emotional resilience while also providing an opportunity to explore the community, build esprit-de-corps among teams and units, and instill a sense of pride and belonging to the entire formation.

“I've always wanted to do activities outside of my comfort zone and this event presented the perfect opportunity to do something new and challenging,” said San Diego, Calif., native Spc. Noe Lorona, orderly room clerk with the 593rd ESC.

“Challenging myself with my fellow brothers in arms while having fun and interacting with the community is the part of the marathon I look forward to the most,” said Spc. Edwin Garcia, HHC, 593rd ESC, who completed three marathons on his own prior to this event.

Preparing for this ultimate physical and mental test will be no easy task as the 10-mile run was a small step towards the targeted goals. Unit participants are scheduled to endure a rigorous nineteen week training period in which they will run a total of two hundred and twenty four miles.

“Just by attending the group training runs and watching my diet, I've seen results up to this point,” Lorona said. “As long as I stay disciplined I'll be fine.”

With over fifteen thousand expected participants in this marathon, another key objective of the challenge is to increase morale amongst participating units and build rapport with the community. Practicing discipline, boosting morale and building camaraderie, all key goals of the campaign created by 593rd ESC commander Brig Gen. Kurt Ryan. He said the Seattle marathon helps build towards these goals.

“Not everyone runs or is able to run a marathon,” Garcia said. “Since we are running as a group and representing the ... Army, it builds pride and morale within each of us. Challenge yourself and never let anyone tell you that you can’t or it’s too hard. Accept any challenge with a smile, and never doubt your strength and ability.”